Ballistic-resistant backpack and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A backpack comprising a ballistic-resistant panel and related methods are provided. The backpack may be employed in two different states. In a collapsed or non-deployed state, the ballistic-resistant panel is stored. In an expanded or deployed state, the ballistic-resistant panel is deployed to protect the arm(s) and torso of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/763,990 filed on Jul. 13, 2018 and entitled THE GUARDIAN ANGEL BALLISTIC RESISTANT BACKPACK, which application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates generally to the field of body armor and, more specifically, relates to the field of body armor incorporated into backpacks.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals wear backpacks daily. Backpacks are used to carry or transport items in a variety of contexts, including school, work, and travel.

Backpacks typically are placed on the user's back and secured by straps that are placed over the user's shoulders. Most backpacks contain at least one storage compartment and can be manufactured using a variety of materials, including but not limited to textiles, fabrics, nylons, or plastics. Many individuals who use backpacks keep them close by during school, work, or travel.

In recent years, schoolchildren, office workers, and travelers have been the victims of tragic gun violence. Students at Parkland High School in Florida were fatally shot during their school day in 2018; municipal workers were gunned down at their place of work in Virginia Beach, VA in 2019; and many tourists have been wounded or killed in shootings.

There exists a dire need for practical and accessible ballistic protection to offer safety from an active shooter. While bulletproof vests offer some protection to the wearer, their body coverage is limited. Furthermore, to protect against an active shooter, the bulletproof vest must already be worn by the user, or the user must have access to the vest and use valuable time to put the vest on, prior to being shot. Donning a bulletproof vest at all times is disproportionate to the odds of a shooting occurring and would saddle the user with uncomfortable extra weight, especially in warmer climates.

A need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, and to provide users with timely access to effective ballistic protection.

SUMMARY

A novel ballistic-resistant backpack and method of using the same is provided. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Briefly, the backpack includes a main body defining a storage compartment and at least one shoulder strap connected to the upper part and lower part of the main body. The backpack also includes one or more ballistic-resistant panels that may be deployed from a collapsed state to provide protection to the user's arm(s) and torso. The backpack may further include a ballistic-resistant hood that provides protection to the user's head when deployed from a collapsed state. The ballistic-resistant hood may be coupled to one or more of the ballistic-resistant panels.

One or more handles, defined as portions a user can grasp, which include but are not limited to cords, strings, or extra material, may be coupled to one or more of the ballistic-resistant panels. One or more handles can be used to deploy such panel(s) from a collapsed state to a deployed state. One or more handles may also be coupled to a ballistic-resistant hood that provides protection to the user's head when deployed from a collapsed state.

A person may use the backpack to protect herself, or herself and another person, by engaging one or more of the ballistic-resistant panels to move them from a collapsed state to a deployed state and wrapping the panel(s) around herself, or herself and another person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a back view of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2B depict side views of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an alternative ballistic-resistant backpack in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a ballistic-resistant backpack in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a user wearing a ballistic-resistant backpack in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a user engaging a ballistic-resistant panel, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a user wrapping ballistic-resistant panels around her arms and torso, according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 11 depicts a user wrapping ballistic-resistant panels around her arms and torso and wearing a ballistic-resistant hood, according to an example embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the proper scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims.

The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by providing a ballistic-resistant backpack able to both serve the storage function of a backpack as well as provide improved protection in case of emergency. The claimed subject matter is able to operate in a collapsed (or undeployed) state and a deployed (or expanded) state. In the collapsed state, one or more ballistic-resistant panels are stowed. In the deployed state, the one or more stowed panels are deployed to protect the user's torso (including the front of the torso) and one or both arms. In some cases, a person wearing the backpack may also provide protection to a second person by wrapping a deployed panel around them.

The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art for at least the reason that it provides front torso and arm protection to a user in a manner that is easily deployed in an emergency. These features allow a wearer of the backpack to be prepared for rare but life-threatening scenarios, such as an active shooter at a school or university campus. Further, these features allow a user who has deployed the armor of the backpack to flee a dangerous situation (e.g., active shooter) while also being protected.

FIGS. 1-4 depict an example embodiment of a ballistic-resistant backpack in both the collapsed state (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and in the deployed state (FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIG. 1 depicts a back view of a ballistic-resistant backpack 10 in a collapsed state, according to an example embodiment. The example ballistic-resistant backpack 10 includes a main body 15 that defines a storage compartment. The embodiment includes on a back side of the backpack 10 zippers 20 that open into smaller storage compartments or pockets and a zipper 25 that opens into a larger storage compartment. (As used herein, the term “back side” refers to the side of the backpack facing away from the user when the backpack is worn on the user's back.) The backpack 10 also includes a routine utility loop 30 for storing the backpack 10 on a hook such as one might find in a high school locker. In addition to the features that are common to most backpacks, however, the embodiment also includes covers 35A and 35B for retaining ballistic-resistant panels, which are coupled to the main body 15, and cover 40 for retaining a ballistic-resistant hood that is coupled to the top of the main body 15. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes two covers 35A and 35B for two ballistic-resistant side panels, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may employ a single side panel, like, for example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, in some embodiments, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the hood is absent.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the embodiment of the backpack 10 shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state. Likewise, FIG. 2B shows a side view opposite to that shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2A, a ballistic-resistant hood 45 is depicted positioned underneath its cover 40. The ballistic-resistant hood 45 is in a collapsed state, in this case a folded state, available to be deployed in the event of an emergency. Two shoulder straps 55A and 55B are coupled to the main body 15 of the backpack 10. Each of the straps 55A and 55B has an upper end 56A and 56B and a lower end 57A and 57B connected to an upper end 16 and a lower end 17, respectively, of the main body 15 of the backpack 10. Alternative embodiments of the backpack may utilize a single strap.

In the collapsed state shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ballistic-resistant side panels 50A and 50B are retained under covers 35A and 35B against the main body 15 of the backpack 10. In this embodiment, the side panels 50A and 50B are folded. In other embodiments, the one or more side panels may be collapsed in a different manner, for example, rolled.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a ballistic-resistant backpack 10 in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment. Ballistic-resistant side panels 50A and 50B are no longer stored under side panel covers 35A and 35B. In FIG. 3, the ballistic-resistant side panels 50A and 50B are shown expanded to the sides. In use, a user would wrap the side panels 50A and 50B around her arms and torso. In the embodiment shown, the side panels 50A and 50B comprise a plurality of segments 52A and 52B. The segments (or, subpanels) 52A and 52B are made of ballistic-resistant material. In some embodiments the segments are positioned inside compartments formed by a sewn together outer material. In some embodiments the segments of ballistic-resistant material are sewn together or otherwise fastened together. The segments 52A and 52B may be folded for storage to be retained in or against the main body 15 in the collapsed state, and unfolded to reach their full size in the deployed state, like that shown in FIG. 3.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when in a collapsed state, hook and loop fastener patches 65 are positioned on the side of the main body 15 to releasably fasten into place covers 35A and 35B having corresponding patches, thereby retaining the side panels 50A and 50B. In FIG. 3 the covers 35A and 35B have been detached from patches 65 and are positioned out of sight behind the side panels 50A and 50B. While patches 65 are used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, any type of fastener could be used in their place, including, for example, buttons, cords, drawstrings, zippers, clasps, or string to name just a few. The fastener may be chosen and configured to allow a user to unfasten the cover and deploy the side panel in case of an emergency. In some embodiments, the cover may form a pocket in which the side panel may be securely stored without the need for additional fasteners, and from which it may be deployed when needed.

Handles 70A and 70B are attached to the side panels 50A and 50B, aiding the user to both deploy the side panels 50A and 50B and wrap the side panels 50A and 50B around her arms and torso.

A ballistic-resistant hood 45 may be deployed from under cover 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hood 45 comprises segments or subpanels 47 analogous to the segments 52A and 52B of the side panels 50A and 50B. In alternative embodiments the hood may comprise a unitary panel.

According to various embodiments, a hood cover may be fastened to the top of the main body of the backpack. The hood may be stored when in a non-deployed state, in a manner analogous to the fastening techniques described for the side covers. Alternatively, the hood cover may be designed as a pocket avoiding the need for additional fasteners.

As shown in FIG. 3 strings 75A and 75B are attached to the hood 45, aiding the user to both deploy the hood 45 from the cover 40 and pull the hood 45 over her head.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an additional ballistic-resistant plate 60 is coupled to the front side of the main body 15 and positioned within the main body 15, as indicated by dashed lines 60, offering additional protection to a user's back. The plate 60 may be segmented or a single unitary sheet, and made from the same or different materials as other segments. (As used herein, the term “front” or “front side” with reference to the main body of a backpack refers to the side facing the user when the backpack is worn on the user's back.)

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a ballistic-resistant backpack 10 in a deployed state, according to an example embodiment, offering the opposite view of FIG. 3. Side panel covers 35A and 35B are shown in their unfastened position, allowing the ballistic-resistant side panels 50A and 50B to fold out. Likewise, hood cover 40 is in its unfastened position, allowing the hood 45 to be deployed.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a ballistic-resistant backpack 110 in a deployed state. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the backpack 110 has a main body 115, a pair of shoulder straps 155A and 155B, and a ballistic-resistant side panel 150 coupled to the side of the main body 115. The side panel 150 is unsegmented and made from a flexible ballistic-resistant material that is capable of being rolled up or folded without requiring a segmented arrangement. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 5. Side cover 135 is in an unfastened position allowing the uncovered side panel 150 to be deployed.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of a ballistic-resistant backpack 210. A user wears the backpack using shoulder straps 255A and 255B. Pull cords 280A and 280B are pulled by the user to deploy in a single motion ballistic-resistant side panels and hood from under side panel covers 235A and 235B and hood cover 240.

The ballistic-resistant backpacks described herein may be used as part of a method of protecting a user. Examples of such backpacks include backpacks having a main body defining a storage compartment; backpacks having at least one shoulder strap coupled to the main body; backpacks having a ballistic-resistant panel coupled to the main body; as well as backpacks having these and additional combinations of features described herein.

A method for using a backpack for protection may comprise a number of steps. One step may include wearing the backpack by the user placing at least one shoulder strap over one or both shoulders of the user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the backpack 310 is worn by the user by placing the shoulder straps 355A and 355B over the user's shoulders. Other features of the backpack 310 shown in FIG. 8 while in a non-deployed state include a main body 315 that defines a storage compartment, a side panel cover 335, in which a ballistic-resistant side panel is stored, a handle 370 for engaging the ballistic-resistant panel, a hood cover 340, in which a ballistic-resistant hood is stored, and strings 375A and 375B for engaging the hood.

Another step of a method of using a backpack for protection is to engage the ballistic-resistant panel using one hand to move it from the collapsed state toward the deployed state. As just discussed, the backpack as shown in FIG. 8 is in a non-deployed or collapsed state. As shown in FIG. 9, a user engages the ballistic-resistant panel under cover 335 by pulling handle 370. This act moves the panel from the collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 8, to the deployed state like in FIG. 10. Other processes of engagement may also be used. For example, in embodiments like that shown in FIG. 7, engaging may comprise pulling a pull cord. In embodiments like that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, engaging may comprise pulling directly on the side panel, where an additional handle is present or absent.

Another step of a method of using a backpack for protection is to wrap the ballistic-resistant panel around an arm and torso of the user. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the side panels 350A and 350B are wrapped around the user's arms and torso, with the user holding the panel 350B in place by holding handle 370.

An additional step of a method of using a backpack for protection comprises covering the head of the user with a ballistic-resistant hood coupled to the backpack, like, for example, the hood 345 shown in FIG. 11. A further step may include wrapping the ballistic-resistant panel around at least a portion of a person other than the user to protect the person from ballistic material, for example, a friend huddled closely by during an active shooter scenario.

The ballistic-resistant panels and hood described above may be comprised of materials including, but not limited to: Kevlar, Lexan, Dyneema, Spectra, Twaron, carbon fiber composite materials, aramids, para-aramids, meta-aramids, ceramics, polyethylenes, UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), polycarbonates, polymers, plastics, metals, and many others. The materials may be incorporated into the ballistic-resistant panel(s) and/or hood in numerous ways, including as a unitary piece or multiple segments.

In their collapsed states, one or more of the ballistic-resistant panels may be retained in the main body or secured to the main body. Such panels may be secured to the main body through numerous means, including but not limited to buttons, fasteners, hooks, zippers, magnets or sleeves. A ballistic-resistant hood in its collapsed state may be retained within the main body of the backpack or secured to the main body through numerous means including the above.

The ballistic-resistant panel(s) described above may be of varying sizes. The ballistic-resistant panel(s) may be sized such that they are able to substantially cover (i.e., cover more than 50% of, and in some cases cover more than 75%, 90%, or up to 100% of) an arm and the front torso of the user while in the deployed state. In different embodiments, a panel may be sized according to the size of an intended user. For example, a panel used in the backpack for a younger user may be smaller than the panel used in a backpack intended for an adult user. A panel may be sufficiently sized such that it also may be wrapped around a second person to provide protection to the second person in the event of an emergency.

According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of each ballistic-resistant panel has a height in the direction between the upper and lower ends of the main body within a range of values and at least a portion of each ballistic-resistant panel has a width in a substantially perpendicular direction to the height within a range of values. The portion may be the portion of the panel at which it spans its greatest height. The portion may be the portion of the panel at which it spans its greatest width. According to certain embodiments, each panel may measure up to 60 inches at its greatest width (as measured from any point where the panel is coupled to the main body of the backpack to the furthest edge of the panel from that point) and 60 inches at its greatest height (the greatest distance between two edges of the panel that are not touching the main body of the backpack). In some embodiments, each panel may measure up to 24, 36, or 48 inches at its greatest width and/or 24, 36, or 48 inches at its greatest height. In some embodiments, each panel may measure at least 12, 24, 36, or 48 inches at its greatest width and/or 12, 24, 36, or 48 inches at its greatest height. Combinations of any of the above ranges are also representative of different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments each panel may measure from 12 inches to 60 inches at its greatest height, and/or from 12 inches to 60 inches at its greatest width. As another example, in some embodiments each panel may measure from 12 inches to 24 inches at its greatest height, and/or from 12 inches to 24 inches at its greatest width.

The ballistic-resistant panels described above may be designed to provide varying levels of protection, e.g., resistance to ballistic materials, such as bullets or shrapnel. A measure of ballistic-resistance is provided by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Standard-0101.06. According to some embodiments, the ballistic-resistant panel is configured to provide protection sufficient to meet at least the NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level IIA performance requirements.

Embodiments may be described above with reference to functions or acts, which comprise methods. The functions/acts noted above may occur out of the order as shown or described. For example, two functions/acts shown or described in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the functions/acts may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. While certain embodiments have been enumerated, other embodiments exist. Further, the disclosed methods' functions/acts may be modified in any manner, including by reordering functions/acts and/or inserting or deleting functions/acts, without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one, or more than one. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 

1. A backpack comprising: a main body defining a storage compartment; two shoulder straps, each having an upper end connected to an upper end of the main body and a lower end connected to a lower end of the main body; and one or more ballistic-resistant panels connected to the main body and movable by a user from a collapsed state in which the one or more ballistic-resistant panels are retained in or against the main body to a deployed state in which the one or more ballistic-resistant panels are expanded to substantially cover the user's torso and one or both arms, wherein when expanded in the deployed state, at least a portion of each ballistic-resistant panel has a height in the direction between the upper and lower ends of the main body between 12 inches and 60 inches, and at least a portion of each ballistic-resistant panel has a width in a substantially perpendicular direction to the height between 12 inches and 60 inches.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the height is between 12 inches and 24 inches and the width is between 12 inches and 24 inches.
 3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the one or more ballistic-resistant panels comprises a plurality of segments.
 4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, and wherein the one or more ballistic-resistant panels comprise a single ballistic-resistant panel coupled to the first side of the main body.
 5. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the one or more ballistic-resistant panels comprise a first ballistic-resistant panel and a second ballistic-resistant panel, each coupled to an opposite side of the main body and movable from a collapsed state to a deployed state.
 6. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a ballistic-resistant hood coupled to a top of the main body.
 7. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a ballistic-resistant plate coupled to a front of the main body.
 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein a handle is coupled to each of the one or more ballistic-resistant panels.
 9. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising one or more covers coupled to the main body, within which each of the one or more ballistic-resistant panels is secured while in a collapsed state.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more ballistic-resistant panels comprises at least one of Kevlar, Lexan, Dyneema, Spectra, Twaron, carbon fiber composite materials, or UHWMPE.
 11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more ballistic-resistant panels is configured to provide protection sufficient to meet the NU Standard-0101.06 Level IIA performance requirements.
 12. A backpack for protecting a user from ballistic materials, the backpack comprising: a main body defining a storage compartment; at least one shoulder strap coupled to the main body; and a ballistic-resistant panel coupled to the main body, and movable from a collapsed state to a deployed state, the ballistic-resistant panel being sized and configured to substantially cover at least an arm and front torso of the user while in the deployed state.
 13. The backpack of claim 12, further comprising a second ballistic-resistant panel coupled to the main body, and movable from a collapsed state to a deployed state, the ballistic-resistant panel being configured to substantially cover another arm and the front torso of the user while in the deployed state.
 14. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the ballistic-resistant panel comprises a plurality of segments.
 15. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the ballistic-resistant panel is configured to substantially cover the arm and front torso of the user while in the deployed state by wrapping around a side of the user's body.
 16. The backpack of claim 12, further comprising a ballistic-resistant hood coupled to the top of the main body.
 17. The backpack of claim 16, further comprising a ballistic-resistant plate coupled to the front of the main body.
 18. A method of using a backpack for protection from ballistic material, the backpack having a main body defining a storage compartment, at least one shoulder strap coupled to the main body, and a ballistic-resistant panel stored in a collapsed state in or on the main body, the method comprising: wearing the backpack by the user placing the at least one shoulder strap over one or both shoulders of the user; engaging the ballistic-resistant panel by the user using one hand to move the ballistic-resistant panel from the collapsed state toward a deployed state; and wrapping the ballistic-resistant panel around at least one arm and torso of the user.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising covering the head of the user with a ballistic-resistant hood coupled to the main body of the backpack.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising wrapping the ballistic-resistant panel around at least a portion of a person other than the user to protect the person from ballistic material. 